New Zealand (NZ) lamb exports during August lifted 19% year-on-year, to 17,167 tonnes swt, facilitated by improved seasonal conditions and increased production. With one month remaining in the NZ export season (October to September), the total volume for 2011-12 to date was 243,980 tonnes swt - 3% lower than the corresponding period in 2010-11 (Beef + Lamb NZ).
NZ lamb shipments to the largest export destination, the EU, jumped 7% year-on-year in August, to 6,783 tonnes swt, underpinned by a 26% increase in exports to the UK, at 2,717 tonnes swt. Demand from China remained sound, with exports jumping 40% year-on-year, to 3,393 tonnes swt, while shipments to the Middle East surged 158% over the same period, to 2,593 tonnes swt.
In contrast, demand in the US has slowed, with exports falling 6% year-on-year, to 780 tonnes swt. According to NZ Agrifax, the fall in NZ exports to the US during August was partly due to an increased availability of Australian lamb, particularly lamb racks.
Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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